Materials Storage Hazards
Improper storage of materials in warehouses can lead to various hazards, posing risks to both the safety of workers and the integrity of the stored goods.
Improper Stacking
Key hazards associated with improper storage include:
- Falling Objects: Incorrectly stacked or over-stacked items can become unstable and fall, potentially causing injuries to workers below. This is particularly dangerous with heavy or bulky items.
- Blocked Aisles and Emergency Exits: Improperly placed materials can obstruct aisles, walkways, and emergency exits, hindering movement within the warehouse and potentially blocking escape routes in case of emergencies like fires.
- Structural Overloading: Overloading racks or storage areas beyond their weight capacity can lead to structural failures, causing racks to collapse. This not only damages the goods but also poses a significant risk to workers.
- Fire Hazards: Improper storage, especially of flammable materials, can increase the risk of fire. Poor ventilation around stored goods can also contribute to the rapid spread of fire.
- Pest Infestations: Inadequate storage, especially of organic materials, can attract pests, leading to contamination and damage of goods.
- Chemical Hazards: Incorrect storage of chemicals, whether failing to segregate incompatible materials or not storing them in appropriate conditions, can lead to chemical spills, leaks, or reactions, posing health risks to workers.
- Trips and Falls: Materials stored in walkways or protruding into aisles can be trip hazards, while items stored at height without proper support can fall, causing injuries.
- Ergonomic Hazards: Improperly organized storage can force workers to adopt awkward postures or perform excessive reaching or lifting, leading to ergonomic injuries. In fact, the most common hazard resulting in frequent storage and handling accidents in a warehouse is improper lifting and manual handling.
Real-life Accident
Employee Is Killed When Struck by Falling Material
At 3:43 p.m. on April 29, 2022, Employee #1 had parked his forklift inside a warehouse and was walking in a westerly direction. Another forklift operator was traveling from the south area towards the north area of the warehouse on a Forklift carrying two bundles of plywood. The forklift was being driven forwards. The forklift operator hit the brakes of the forklift, and the bundle of plywood slid off the forks and struck Employee #1. One bundle of plywood consisted of four sets weighing approximately 2,250 pounds. One bundle was approximately three feet in height and two bundles were six feet. The bundles were raised approximately one and a half feet by the forks. The operator was traveling forward with limited view of the area. Employee #1 suffered fatal blunt force trauma to the head and upper body area.Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-6. What is the most common hazard resulting in frequent storage and handling accidents in a warehouse?
You forgot to answer the question!